What is in? What is out? Updating the British Society for Cutaneous Allergy facial series.

BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to cosmetics is widely reported. To ensure we are accurately diagnosing ACD, patch test series should be continually reviewed to identify relevant and emerging allergens and highlight those that are outdated. The current British Society for Cutaneous Allergy (BSCA) facial series recommends 26 allergens and was last modified in 2012. OBJECTIVES: To review and update the BSCA facial series. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the results from 12 UK and Ireland patch test centres' facial series from January 2016 to December 2017. We recorded the number of allergens tested in each centre and the detection rate for each allergen. Using a 0·3% positive rate as the inclusion threshold, we established which allergens in the BSCA facial series had positive patch test rates < 0·3% and > 0·3%. Allergens not in the BSCA facial series that had a positive patch test rate > 0·3% were identified. RESULTS: Overall, 4224 patients were patch tested to the facial series. The number of allergens included in individual centres' facial series ranged from 24 to 66, with a total of 103 allergens tested across all centres. Twelve of the 26 allergens in the BSCA facial series had a positive patch test rate < 0·3% and 14 had a rate > 0·3%. Twenty-five allergens not recommended in the BSCA facial series had a positive patch test rate > 0·3%. CONCLUSIONS: This audit has highlighted the significant variation in practice that exists among patch test centres, despite a recommended facial series. The BSCA facial series has been updated and now contains 24 allergens. Fifteen allergens remain, 11 allergens have been dropped and nine new allergens have been added.

Hypereosinophilic syndrome: an indolent rash with a serious cardiac complication.

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a rare disorder, characterized by prominent blood or tissue eosinophilia with ensuing tissue damage, which is diagnosed after exclusion of underlying diseases known to cause HES. Sustained eosinophilia is associated with cardiac disease, including endomyocardial thrombosis and fibrosis, leading to restrictive cardiomyopathy, valvular dysfunction and increased thrombotic tendency. Aneurysmal coronary artery disease (CAD) occurring in the absence of stenotic atherosclerotic plaques is extremely rare. We present a case of idiopathic HES in a 30-year-old woman with asymptomatic multianeurysmal CAD and a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm, and discuss a brief review of the literature and management strategies.

Enzymes, detergents and skin: facts and fantasies.

In their raw state, enzymes of bacterial/fungal origin cause allergic reactions in the lung. Proteolytic enzymes also cause irritation to skin, eyes and the respiratory tract. For 40 years, encapsulated enzymes have been used worldwide in detergent products, especially laundry formulations, and have increasing importance due to biodegradability and functionality at low temperatures, offering environmental benefits. Uniquely to the U.K., for years it has been suggested that the inclusion of enzymes in such products leads to adverse skin reactions, including erythema, pruritus and exacerbation of eczema. In this review, we look at the facts, asking whether there is evidence that the hazards identified for enzymes translate into any risk for consumer health. By considering the actual exposures in consumer use and exaggerated product usage, it is concluded that the irritating and allergenic hazards of enzyme raw materials do not translate into a risk of skin reactions, either irritant or allergic. Investigations of numerous individuals with skin complaints attributed to laundry products demonstrate convincingly that enzymes were not responsible. Indeed, enzyme-containing laundry products have an extensive history of safe use. Thus, the supposed adverse effects of enzymes on skin seem to be a consequence of a mythology. The important practical lesson is that when primary or secondary care practitioners are presented with a skin complaint, it should not be dismissed as a result of using an enzyme-containing laundry product as the diagnosis will certainly lie elsewhere. Education for healthcare professionals could usefully be enhanced to take this on board.

Sarcoidosis: nail dystrophy without underlying bone changes.

Sarcoidosis is a chronic granulomatous disease of unknown origin that affects multiple organs and may present with a variety of skin lesions. Involvement of the nails is rare and almost invariably associated with underlying bone disease. We describe a patient with sarcoid nail dystrophy in whom this diagnosis was confirmed by a proximal nail fold biopsy. Radiologic investigation did not show evidence of an associated bone dystrophy in this case.

Multiple familial trichoepitheliomas.

We present the case of a 28-year-old woman with multiple familial trichoepitheliomas, characterized by the presence of many small tumors occurring predominantly on the face. This condition constitutes a genodermatosis that follows an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. These lesions can lead to marked facial disfigurement, and treatment is generally disappointing.

Mucosal vulval lichen planus: outcome, clinical and laboratory features.

BACKGROUND: Mucosal lichen planus of the vulva is a rare but increasingly recognized condition. It has potentially severe complications such as fusion of the labia and vagina; the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) may be increased. An association between hepatitis B and C infection and skin or oral lichen planus appears to exist in certain geographical areas. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the course of mucosal vulval lichen planus, its response to treatment and associated laboratory features. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-four women with mucosal vulval lichen planus were studied between 1997 and 2000 and laboratory data were collected. RESULTS: Thirty of 44 patients had additional oral lesions, only nine had cutaneous findings compatible with lichen planus. We did not find an association with antibodies to hepatitis B or C virus in this British study population. All women were treated with potent to very potent topical corticosteroids; however, in the majority of patients symptoms persisted. In seven (16%) patients vulval lichen planus was in remission after a disease duration between 2 and 18 years (mean 10.6 years). One patient developed a vulval SCC. CONCLUSIONS: Screening for hepatitis B and C in women with mucosal vulval lichen planus in the UK seems unnecessary. We recommend long-term follow-up, and that all non-healing ulcerative and papular lesions should be biopsied.

Contact urticaria.

Contact urticaria has been reported following skin contact with a multitude of substances ranging from simple chemicals to macromolecules. Its prevalence amongst the general population is unknown, but it may be a relatively common and under-recognized phenomenon. Non-immunological (irritant) causes typically elicit mild localized reactions, which clear within hours. Such agents can be found widely in food, cosmetics and medicaments. The lower diagnostic end-point for nonimmunological contact urticaria has been the subject of debate, which makes interpretation of the literature difficult. Immunological (allergic) contact urticaria is due to immediate-type hypersensitivity, and occurs most commonly in atopic individuals. It is mediated primarily by histamine, and may be associated with systemic, and potentially life-threatening symptoms. Natural rubber latex is one of the most important causes today, and the recent 'epidemic' of latex protein allergy has helped draw attention to this subject. Immunological contact urticaria to animal or vegetable matter may occasionally affect those who handle food, and other occupations such as agricultural and veterinary workers. This may be associated with development of a protein contact dermatitis. The diagnosis of immunological contact urticaria can often be confirmed by simple investigations such as skin prick testing or measurement of specific IgE.

Extensive lichen sclerosus et atrophicus with bullae and ulceration--improvement with hydroxychloroquine.

A 55-year-old woman is described with a short history of generalized lichen sclerosus et atrophicus in whom extensive blistering and ulceration occurred. The disease was confined to extragenital sites at presentation, with no clinical evidence of mucosal involvement. The degree of blistering, rapid evolution and widespread involvement of non-genital skin in this case are uncommon features. There was evidence of improvement following treatment with hydroxychloroquine. We suggest that this drug may be of therapeutic benefit in cutaneous lichen sclerosus.

Zosteriform atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini.

Astophoderma of Pasini and Pierini is generally regarded as an atrophic variant of morphoea. It arises most commonly on the trunk and abdomen. We describe a 53-year-old man who had a 12-year history of unilateral atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini affecting the left side of his trunk in a zosteriform distribution. Within these clinically atrophic lesions, there were localized areas of induration which were typical of morphoea. The patient also had a preceding history of balanitis xerotica obliterans. The occurrence of atrophoderma of Pasini and Pierini, morphoea and lichen sclerosus within the same individual supports the view that these conditions are closely related, and suggests that common factors may be involved in their aetiologies.

Diltiazem-induced acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis.

Pustulation is a major feature in several different dermatoses, and it may also occur as a manifestation of drug hypersensitivity. Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is an uncommon eruption characterized by acute, extensive formation of sterile pustules, fever and peripheral blood leucocytosis. It shares several clinical and histological features in common with pustular psoriasis. Most reported cases have been triggered by ingestion of broad spectrum antibiotics, particularly betalactams and macrolides. There is usually rapid resolution of the eruption on drug withdrawal. We report the case of a 58 year-old woman who developed AGEP shortly after commencing treatment with the calcium channel blocker diltiazem hydrochloride. The eruption followed a biphasic course, and improved following treatment with systemic corticosteroids and methotrexate. AGEP appears to be a rare adverse cutaneous reaction to diltiazem, whereas a wide range of other skin eruptions have been reported more commonly with this drug.

Natural rubber latex allergy.

Rubber is an important industrial and consumer product encountered in many household items and medical devices. Whereas the chemical additives used in its manufacture are well recognized as a cause of delayed-type hypersensitivity (allergic contact dermatitis), it is only during the past decade that immediate-type allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) proteins (latex allergy) has emerged as a serious health issue. Frequent, prolonged wearing of NRL gloves, especially amongst health care workers, is a major risk factor for such sensitization. Latex allergy is now an important medical, occupational, medico-legal and financial problem, and it is essential that policies are developed to reduce it. Undiagnosed latex allergy is potentially very serious for patients. This article briefly overviews latex allergy with emphasis on the practical issues of diagnosis and management.

Childhood bullous pemphigoid--report of a case with dermal fluorescence on salt-split skin.

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an acquired bullous disorder which predominantly affects the elderly. It is rare in children, and may be clinically indistinguishable from other immunobullous disorders. As routine histology may be non-specific, a definitive diagnosis of childhood BP usually depends on the results of direct and indirect immunofluorescence investigations. We report a 5-year-old girl who developed bullous pemphigoid, associated with atypical immunofluorescence findings. Indirect immunofluorescence on split-skin showed a pure dermal pattern of IgG binding. This is usually suggestive of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, but Western immunoblotting was positive with epidermal extracts, confirming a diagnosis of BP. Dermal binding on split-skin occurs in about 5% of adult cases of BP, and has not been reported previously in childhood BP.

Compositae sensitivity and chronic hand dermatitis in a seven-year-old boy.

Compositae dermatitis is rare in childhood, with few cases documented in the literature. We report a 7-year-old boy who presented with a dermatitis mainly affecting his dominant hand. Patch testing revealed contact sensitivity to sesquiterpene lactone (SL) mix, and subsequent testing with Compositae oleoresins showed sensitivity to daisy, dandelion and chrysanthemum. The dermatitis improved on avoidance of handling plants. We have not documented any other cases of Compositae sensitivity in 187 other children, aged under 16 years, who have undergone patch testing with SL mix between 1992 and 1996 in our department. This case illustrates that Compositae sensitivity may present with a localized dermatitis and that, although uncommon, sensitization may occur in early childhood.

Brachioradial photopruritus--a rare chronic photodermatosis in Europe.

Brachioradial pruritus (BRP) is an uncommon localized pruritic dermatosis only previously described from the tropics and subtropics. We report two cases in British residents who had a history of prolonged ultraviolet radiation exposure, and who responded to strict photoprotection of the affected sites.